26. Stand Up

[HAZEL]

“Attention, soldiers! Here’s the plan,” I declared, marching around the room with purpose like a penguin on a mission. My miniature army was eagerly awaiting my next move, and I could sense their excitement building.

But then little Nico started to venture towards his nostrils, and I shot him a death stare that could make Medusa flinch. He quickly retreated back to his military stance, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of my discipline training.

“So, troops, I just saw Lizzy sprinting like her pants were on fire—” I began, but of course, Angelo had to interrupt.

“She was on fire?!” he exclaimed, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

I rolled my eyes in dramatic fashion. Ugh. “No, you knucklehead. It’s just an expression. Get your head in the game!”

I resumed pacing back and forth, my hands locked behind my back in deep thought. “As I was saying, Lizzy was rushing to her room, and it appeared that tears were streaming down her face—”

“Lizzy was crying?” came the voic